This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a rich and savory dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving. Juicy, golden chicken pieces are seared in garlic-infused butter and paired with al dente penne pasta tossed in a silky Parmesan cream sauce. Finished with fresh basil, it’s a comforting and elegant dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect fusion of simplicity and indulgence. The chicken is flavorful and seared to perfection, while the sauce is velvety, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. It uses minimal ingredients, yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe is both approachable and impressive.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
directions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. - Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 3–4 minutes. - Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the chicken is evenly distributed. - Serve
Transfer to serving plates or bowls, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 620 kcal
Variations
- Add vegetables: Include sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for a touch of color and nutrients.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for a subtle heat.
- Use different pasta: Try it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or bow ties for a fun variation.
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half or a combination of milk and broth in place of heavy cream.
- Protein alternative: Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey if desired.
storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain the creamy consistency. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added in step 4. Simply heat it through in the sauce before combining with the pasta.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
For the best flavor and a smooth sauce, it’s recommended to use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated varieties may not melt as well.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a small amount of cream cheese or butter can be used as substitutes, though the sauce may be thinner.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients. Use a larger skillet to ensure even cooking.
Will this work with gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Substitute with your favorite gluten-free penne or pasta shape.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s mild and kid-friendly. Add chili flakes if you want to give it a spicy kick.
Can I add lemon for freshness?
Yes, a splash of lemon juice or zest can brighten up the flavor without overpowering the sauce.
What kind of skillet is best?
A large non-stick or stainless steel skillet works well for cooking the chicken and combining the sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and keep the heat moderate when adding the cream to ensure a smooth, emulsified sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. The buttery garlic chicken and indulgent Parmesan sauce combine to create a comforting and elegant dish that will quickly become a favorite. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it delivers a perfect balance of simplicity and decadence.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe features juicy bites of chicken cooked in garlic butter and tossed with penne pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. A cozy, delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes! #garlicbutterchicken #chickenpasta #parmesansauce
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, diced
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3 tablespoons butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 oz penne pasta
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 3–4 minutes.
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Toss with Pasta: Add cooked penne and toss everything together until well coated.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
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Substitute penne with fettuccine or rigatoni for variety.
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For added flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
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Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
